Float away to a tropical paradise with this classic tiki cocktail.
I’m a big fan of tiki drinks, Polynesian music, and flowy, breezy Aloha shirts. Even before I vacationed on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaii a few years ago, I was fascinated with the history and culture of tiki. Living in Los Angeles, we’re blessed to have a ton of themed bars peppered throughout the city and the South Bay. Right around the corner from me is the legendary Tiki-Ti, which first opened its doors in 1961. A short drive to North Hollywood will bring you to the popular and vibey Tonga Hut, which I’ve also visited in Palm Springs. And in Burbank, there’s the Broken Compass. These are only a few, and they happen to be my favorites. The cocktails are strong and, because they’re so fruity and delicious, can be a little risky if you’re not careful.
One of my favorite tiki tipples is a relatively simple one, the Malibu Bay Breeze. You don’t even need a cocktail shaker. All that goes into this recipe is coconut rum, along with pineapple and cranberry juices. Sweet, fruity, tropical, and tart, this layered beverage will allow you to visit the tiki land of your imagination as you sink into your comfiest chair.
This drink is an offshoot of the Bay Breeze, a cocktail said to have originated during the 1940s, which used vodka as its base, mixed with pineapple and cranberry juice. The Malibu Bay Breeze, which became popular in the 1980s, swaps the vodka for coconut rum. When the sun is high in the sky and the sounds of a pedal steel guitar are making you feel as though you’ll float away, make sure you have a Malibu Bay Breeze in your hand to keep you company.
What is the best rum to use in a Malibu Bay Breeze?
A coconut rum, like the popular Malibu brand, is an ideal choice for this fruity and tropical-tasting concoction. If you don’t necessarily enjoy coconut, or happen to be allergic, you can use an overproof or navy-strength rum. These are a little more potent than a regular bottle and are often used as toppers or floats in many tiki cocktails.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces coconut rum like Malibu
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- Lime slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass three-quarters of the way with ice.
- Add in the coconut rum and pineapple juice, then top with the cranberry juice, pouring over the back of a spoon to ensure a two-tone effect.
- Garnish with a lime slice. Stir before enjoying.
Nutrition
What kind of glassware and garnish are used?
Pour and layer your Malibu Bay Breeze in an ice-filled highball glass, garnished with a lime wheel on its rim.
What is a regular Bay Breeze cocktail?
The Bay Breeze is close to a Malibu Bay Breeze. Instead of rum, however, vodka is used with the cranberry and pineapple juice.
Similar cocktails to the Malibu Bay Breeze
If the Malibu Bay Breeze quenched your thirst and you’re craving more similarly strong potions, Twist & Toast has the tastiest recipes to add to your backyard barbecue’s menu. Try some of these cocktails out, then explore the site for even more ideas.
- Zombie – This classic tiki drink will bring you back to life this summer.
- Blue Hawaiian Punch – You’ll be the life of the party as you sashay around with this cool blue beverage.
- Coconut Mojito – Creamy and minty, this refreshing cocktail is guaranteed to keep you from overheating.
- Blue Margarita – Tequila and blue curaçao make the perfect pair in this sweet and delicious elixir.
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